Tyrone county board issues statement denying Donegal player was taunted over the death of his father

Tyrone denies allegations that Donegal Minor Captain Michael Carroll was taunted over the death of his father

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The Tyrone county board has strongly dismissed claims from Donegal that a minor player was taunted about the death of his father.

The allegation was made by Donegal minor manager Declan Bonner in his Donegal News column, claiming that team captain Micheal Carroll was verbally abused about the death of his father when the two sides met in last Sunday's Ulster Championship opener, which was the curtain raiser to the senior tie between the counties in Ballybofey.

"If this is what is going to happen in games, then I don't want to be a part of it," Bonner fumed.

"I would rather walk away than be involved in something that has become so toxic.

Donegal minor manager Declan Bonner (Image: Sportsfile)

"This whole thing has gone to a new level and in our minor game against Tyrone on Sunday, those boundaries were crossed to sickening levels."

Tyrone released a statement this evening outlining how, as a result of the claims by Bonner and others, an investigation had been launched into the affair.

It echoed the comments of Ryan McMenamin, former senior star and current minor selector, who also denied that any such taunt had been delivered.

The statement added: "As a result of the investigation undertaken [Tyrone county board] would refute in the strongest possible terms that a comment was made by any of its players to a Donegal player regarding the death of his father in 2014.

"Tyrone GAA in no way condone 'sledging' and the managers and coaches of all our county teams, from Acadamh Thir Eoghain to senior, actively discourage this practice.

"Tyrone GAA congratulates both Donegal teams on their victories on Sunday in Ballybofey, wishing them well in the remainder of their 2015 campaigns and would express our deepest sympathies to the player on his loss.

Tyrone legend Peter Canavan said this evening that the Donegal minor management should either clarify the allegations or withdraw them and issue an apology.